Arnie is a bad Conan, there's about as much killer instinct in him as a wet towel. The sword is a prop for his poses, nothing more. New Conan is much better in that regard.
What if the bladesmaster of the east just showed him the display/circus trickery type of swordplay?
Just like San da is the display/circus trickery version of Gong Fu(Kung Fu, Chinaman boxing etc.)
After all he was a gladiator, meant to entertain/show off and get the rich women wet and focused on something else than "improving their husband's with friendly guidance" aka. their husbands could taste freedom for a while.
This actually makes your statement a + for Arnie, He is simple barabarian who learn show off sword style